How much does Wegovy cost?

Thinking about starting Wegovy, but concerned about the cost? You’re not alone. When prescribing any GLP-1 medications to patients, “cost is about 90 percent of the discussion,” says Dr. Ethan Lazarus, M.D., owner of Clinical Nutrition Center in Denver, Colorado, and former president of the Obesity Medicine Association. And it’s easy to see why: Wegovy, the brand name for semaglutide FDA-approved to treat obesity and reduce cardiovascular risk, comes at a high price if insurance doesn’t cover it. Below, we’ve mapped out everything you need to know about Wegovy’s cost, coverage, and savings options to consider.

How much is Wegovy without insurance?

Without insurance, Wegovy’s list price is $1,349.02 per pack, according to the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. But in March, 2025, the manufacturer announced they would provide Wegovy for $499 a month if you get it through their own pharmacy called NovoCare. Each pack includes four pre-filled injectable pens, which will last you 28 days. A big part of the cost comes down to the drug’s development, which involved years of rigorous clinical trials. Not to mention the higher cost of manufacturing the prefilled pens versus a simpler delivery method like a pill. There is also no cheaper generic version of Wegovy yet (although that may change in 2026, when the patent expires).

How much is Wegovy with insurance?

As is the same with all medications, the cost of Wegovy with insurance varies based on your specific plan. You may end up paying a percentage of the total cost or a small copay, depending on your coverage. To get an accurate idea of your costs and coverage, it’s best to contact your insurance provider directly with the number on the back of your card.

Does insurance cover Wegovy?

Coverage is based on the type of insurance you have and your individual policy. Some plans might cover GLP-1s like Wegovy fully, while others just partially or not at all. In general, insurance companies tend to be more likely to cover GLP-1’s approved for type 2 diabetes than those for weight loss and the landscape seems to be constantly changing. For example, just this January, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network scaled back on coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss medications including Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound.

“This is just an ever-changing horizon,” says Dr. Bharti Shetye, M.D., a weight loss specialist certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. “Every six months, every nine months, or every year, we’re hearing different things [about coverage policies].” That’s why it’s important to stay informed and work closely with your healthcare provider to understand your options. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on whether Wegovy is covered, contact your insurance company directly.

Does Medicaid cover Wegovy?

While some Medicaid plans cover Wegovy, most do not. Medicaid, the national healthcare program for low-income individuals and families, offers coverage that varies by state. Each state decides which medications are included under its prescription drug coverage, so whether your Wegovy prescription is covered depends entirely on where you live.

As of August 2024, only 13 states covered GLP-1s for obesity treatment, including California, Virginia, Kansas, and Minnesota. However, it doesn’t mean coverage won’t change in the future, so it’s important to check with your state’s Medicaid office for the most current details.

Does Medicare cover Wegovy?

If you have Medicare Part D, the add-on prescription drug coverage available through the federal health insurance program, it does not cover medications for weight loss. It does, however, cover FDA-approved uses of GLP-1 medications for other conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease — even though weight loss is a secondary benefit. And because Wegovy is FDA-approved to reduce the risk for serious heart problems in people with obesity or overweight, this can be a loophole. “We can get Wegovy approved sometimes for patients with a history of a prior heart attack,” explains Lazarus. If improving heart health is part of the reason your doctor wants to prescribe Wegovy, talk with your provider and Medicare coordinator to determine coverage rules.

How to save on Wegovy without insurance

There are a few cost-saving strategies and savings programs if you don’t have health insurance or your plan doesn't cover Wegovy.

Telehealth prescription services

Telehealth, which allows you to connect with healthcare providers remotely through video or phone consultations, could be a more affordable and convenient option for accessing care. Members of WeightWatchers have access to American Board of Obesity Medicine-certified providers who can prescribe both GLP-1 and non-GLP-1 weight-loss medications. These physicians will evaluate your unique medical history, biology, and insurance coverage to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your membership also includes an Insurance Coordinator who can help do all the heavy lifting when it comes to navigating medication costs.

Wegovy savings card

If you’re looking to save on Wegovy, Novo Nordisk has a savings card that could reduce the cost significantly. Here’s how it works:

• If your insurance covers Wegovy: You might only pay $0 or $650 for a 28-day supply, depending on your plan.
• If your insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy or you’re paying out of pocket: You could still qualify to pay as little as $650 for a 28-day supply, $1,300 per 56-day supply (2 boxes), or $1,950 per 84-day supply (3 boxes).

Note that these offers do not apply to people with government insurance programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Check Novo Nordisk’s website and review the terms and eligibility requirements on the savings card for more details.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Wegovy?

There are other weight-loss medications that may cost less than Wegovy.

GLP-1 drugs

GLP-1 drugs, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are a class of medications designed to aid in weight loss and blood sugar regulation. They work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the body, increasing insulin production, and slowing down gastric emptying — all of which work to reduce appetite and make you feel full.

Within this class of medications, there are two alternatives to Wegovy that are FDA approved for weight loss: Saxenda (liraglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). Zepbound, which mimics a second hormone called gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) in addition to the GLP-1, comes in an injectable, prefilled, single-use pen for just over $1,000 per pen. The single-dose vial form, however, costs less. If you’re comfortable using a separate syringe as opposed to a pre-filled pen, you could get the medication for less than half the price: $399 to $549, depending on dosage.

Saxenda, a once-daily injectable, may also cost less. But keep in mind that it may not lead to the same weight loss either. A 68-week clinical trial found Wegovy to be more effective for weight loss than Saxenda in adults with overweight or obesity. That said, it’s worth comparing costs, including any savings offers or pharmacy discounts — especially if this is a medication you’re considering long term.

Non-GLP-1 alternatives

If GLP-1 medications are too expensive, there are more affordable alternatives that can still help you lose weight and maintain the weight loss. “Because most of my patients do not have coverage for GLP-1s for weight loss, we really need to look at all the options,” says Lazarus. Alternatives can include:

• Phentermine: A stimulant that helps suppress appetite and promote feelings of fullness. As a generic drug, it’s an inexpensive option, says Lazarus.
• Contrave: This medication, which combines naltrexone and bupropion, works to suppress appetite and support weight loss.
• Qsymia: A combination of phentermine and topiramate that reduces appetite and creates a feeling of fullness.
• Metformin: This medication enhances insulin sensitivity while also suppressing appetite.
• Bupropion/Naltrexone: This combination targets the brain's reward system to help curb food cravings and support weight management.

Shetye notes that for all weight loss medications, pairing them with lifestyle changes like a balanced diet and regular exercise will lead to the best results. As with any medication, it’s essential to consult with your physician to ensure it’s the right choice for you.

The bottom line

When it comes to Wegovy’s cost, prices can vary greatly based on a number of factors including your insurance coverage, eligible savings programs, or pharmacy choice. Without insurance, the cost of a 28-day supply is over $1,300. However, if you have insurance, particularly through commercial providers, there’s a chance your out-of-pocket costs could be reduced significantly. It’s essential to explore every option, including using the Wegovy Savings Card, discussing alternatives with your healthcare provider, and staying updated on insurance coverage changes.